U.S. patent application number 12/855902 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-09 for plastic container configured for case-less shipping.
This patent application is currently assigned to Plastipak Packaging, Inc.. Invention is credited to James Christopher Dorn.
Application Number | 20110132863 12/855902 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45568185 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110132863 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dorn; James Christopher |
June 9, 2011 |
PLASTIC CONTAINER CONFIGURED FOR CASE-LESS SHIPPING
Abstract
A plastic container configured for case-less shipping includes a
base portion, a sidewall portion, and a neck portion. The base
portion is configured to support the container on a surface and
includes a substantially planar surface contact portion. The
sidewall portion extends upwardly from the base portion and
includes a shoulder, an integrally molded handle having a handle
opening, and a horizontally-extending collapsible formation. The
neck portion extends upwardly from the shoulder of the sidewall
portion and includes a dispensing opening, a neck finish, and an
uppermost vertical portion. In an embodiment, the handle includes a
handle portion that extends vertically from the sidewall portion to
an extent that is at or about the same vertical height as the
uppermost vertical portion of the neck portion, and a portion of
the sidewall portion is permitted to deform in response to a top
load force.
Inventors: |
Dorn; James Christopher;
(Sterling, OH) |
Assignee: |
Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
Plymouth
MI
|
Family ID: |
45568185 |
Appl. No.: |
12/855902 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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29351360 |
Dec 4, 2009 |
|
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12855902 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
215/10 ; 215/379;
215/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2501/0036 20130101;
B65D 21/0209 20130101; B65D 2501/0081 20130101; B65D 23/10
20130101; B65D 1/0223 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/10 ; 215/40;
215/379 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/00 20060101
B65D021/00; B65D 90/02 20060101 B65D090/02 |
Claims
1. A plastic container configured for case-less shipping, the
container comprising: a base portion configured to support the
container on a surface, the base portion including a substantially
planar surface contact portion; a sidewall portion extending
upwardly from the base portion, the sidewall portion including a
shoulder, an integrally molded handle having a handle opening, and
a horizontally-extending collapsible formation; and a neck portion,
the neck portion extending upwardly from the shoulder of the
sidewall portion, the neck portion including a dispensing opening,
a neck finish, and an uppermost vertical portion; wherein the
handle includes a handle portion that extends vertically from the
sidewall portion to an extent that is at or about the same vertical
height as the uppermost vertical portion of the neck portion; a
portion of the sidewall portion is permitted to deform in response
to a top load force.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the horizontally-extending
collapsible formation extends across a side of the container.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the horizontally-extending
collapsible formation extends continuously around the periphery of
the container.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the sidewall includes edges
that separate panel portions, and the horizontally-extending
collapsible formation has a different cross sectional shape at or
about the edges of the container.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein the horizontally-extending
collapsible formation comprises a collapsible rib.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein the horizontally-extending
collapsible formation is configured to deform in response to
top-loading of the container.
7. The container of claim 1, the shoulder extends to the neck
portion at an angle.
8. The container of claim 7, wherein, with the exception of the
shoulder that connects to the handle, the angle of the shoulder is
substantially the same around the circumference of the sidewall
portion.
9. The container of claim 7, wherein the angle is from about
30.degree. to about 40.degree..
10. The container of claim 7, wherein the angle is about
40.degree..+-.5.degree..
11. The container of claim 1, wherein the shoulder includes a
plurality reinforcement formations.
12. The container of claim 1, wherein the shoulder includes a
plurality of radially extending ribs.
13. The container of claim 1, wherein the handle opening extends
vertically in a direction generally parallel with a longitudinal
axis of the container, the handle opening defining a
finger-receiving area.
14. The container of claim 1, wherein the handle is provided in the
upper one-half of the container.
15. The container of claim 1, wherein the outer radial extent of
the handle does not extend radially beyond the outer radial extent
of the sidewall of the container.
16. The container of claim 1, wherein the neck finish include a
drip lip.
17. The container of claim 1, wherein the base portion includes a
transverse formation.
18. The container of claim 1, wherein the base portion includes at
least two transverse formations that intersect one another.
19. The container of claim 1, wherein the base portion includes at
least two transverse formations, the at least two transverse
formations being substantially perpendicular to each other.
20. The container of claim 1, wherein the sidewall portion further
includes a plurality of horizontal ribs that extend substantially
across the container.
21. The container of claim 1, wherein, when the container is
filled, the deformation of the portion of the sidewall portion in
response to a top load force will be countered at least in part by
an internal hydrostatic force.
22. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is essentially
square.
23. The container of claim 1, wherein the container includes a
central vertical axis, and the dispensing opening is substantially
centered on the central vertical axis.
24. A method for case-less stacking of plastic containers,
comprising: providing a first level of plastic containers, each
container having a base portion including a substantially planar
surface contact portion; a sidewall portion extending upwardly from
the base portion, the sidewall portion including a shoulder, an
integrally molded handle having a handle opening, and a
horizontally-extending collapsible formation; and a neck portion
extending upwardly from the shoulder of the sidewall portion, the
neck portion including a dispensing opening, a neck finish, and an
uppermost vertical portion, wherein the handle includes a handle
portion that extends vertically from the sidewall portion to an
extent that is at or about the same vertical height as the
uppermost vertical portion of the neck portion; providing a tier
sheet upon the first level of plastic containers; providing a
second level of plastic containers upon the tier sheet, wherein the
weight of the second level of plastic containers creates a top load
force on the first level of plastic containers, permitting the
horizontally-extending collapsible formation of the first level of
plastic containers to deform in response to the top load force
until the top load force is at least partially countered by an
internal hydrostatic force associated with one or more of the first
level of plastic containers.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design
Pat. application No. 29/351,360, filed Dec. 4, 2009, now pending,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though
fully set forth herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to plastic
containers that are configured for case-less shipping.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Plastic containers are used for storing a wide variety of
contents. Such containers are commonly stored and shipped in bulk
in some form of shipping case. The shipping case can, among other
things, remove some of the burden associated with the stackability
and structural loading of the containers being shipped. Some
examples of shipping cases include cardboard or corrugated boxes
and plastic cases.
[0004] There are, however, added costs and potential inefficiencies
associated with providing and using various types of cases in
connection with the packaging and shipping of plastic
containers.
SUMMARY
[0005] A plastic container configured for case-less shipping is
disclosed. Embodiments of the container include a base portion, a
sidewall portion, and a neck portion. The base portion is
configured to support the container on a surface and includes a
substantially planar surface contact portion. The sidewall portion
extends upwardly from the base portion and includes a shoulder, an
integrally molded handle having a handle opening, and a
horizontally-extending collapsible formation. The neck portion
extends upwardly from the shoulder of the sidewall portion and
includes a dispensing opening, a neck finish, and an uppermost
vertical portion. In an embodiment, the handle includes a handle
portion that extends vertically from the sidewall portion to an
extent that is at or about the same vertical height as the
uppermost vertical portion of the neck portion, and a portion of
the sidewall portion is permitted to deform in response to a top
load force.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way
of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a container
embodying aspects of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a left side elevation view of the container shown
in FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the container shown in
FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a right side elevation view of the container shown
in FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the container shown in
FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the container shown in FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the container shown in FIG.
1;
[0014] FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial view of a neck and shoulder of
an exemplary container; and
[0015] FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial view of a portion of a neck
and shoulder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
present invention, examples of which are described herein and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will
be described in conjunction with embodiments, it will be understood
that they are not intended to limit the invention to these
embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover
alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
[0017] An isometric view of an embodiment of a container 10
exhibiting aspects of the teachings of the present invention is
generally shown in FIG. 1. The illustrated container 10 generally
includes a closed base portion 20; a sidewall portion 30, including
a shoulder 40; a neck portion 50; and a dispensing opening 60.
Various other views of the container 10 are shown in FIGS. 2-7.
[0018] The base portion 20 may be configured to support the
container on a surface, which may comprise a substantially planar
support surface. As generally depicted in FIGS. 2-5, in
embodiments, the base portion 20 may include a substantially planar
surface contact portion (see, e.g., contact portion 70 generally
shown in FIG. 2). The use of a substantially planar base portion 20
can help to distribute a top load over a larger area, which can
help to reduce bottle deformation when a container experiences top
loading. With reference to FIG. 7, an embodiment of the invention
may provide a base portion 20 that provides a generally square
footprint (which may include rounded (as shown) or chamfered
corners).
[0019] The sidewall portion 30 generally extends upwardly from the
base portion 20, and includes a shoulder 40. In embodiments, the
sidewall portion 30 may include an integrally molded handle 80. The
handle 80 may be provided substantially in just the upper one-half
of the container 10 and/or the outer radial extent of the handle 80
may be configured such that the handle does not extend radially
beyond the outer radial extent of the sidewall portion 30 of the
container 10. The handle 80 may be blow molded and generally
hollow, and may include a handle opening 90. Further, the handle 80
and handle opening 90 may be configured to permit a portion of a
user's hand to extend into or through the opening 90 to facilitate
gripping and/or pouring. It is additionally noted that the shape of
the opening 90 may be configured to help limit the expansion of the
sidewall portion 30 into the opening 90 when the container
experiences top loading.
[0020] The sidewall portion 30 may further include a
horizontally-extending collapsible formation, such as collapsible
rib 100. Moreover, in embodiments, a portion of the sidewall
portion 30--which may comprise a horizontally-extending collapsible
formation (such as generally illustrated as collapsible rib
100)--may be permitted to deform, at least in part, in response to
a top load force (e.g., the weight of other containers that are
stacked above). In embodiments, the horizontally-extending
collapsible formation extends across or substantially across a side
of the container. The horizontally-extending collapsible formation
may be configured to serve as a form of "shock absorber" with
respect to anticipated top load forces (such as incurred with the
weight of containers stacked above). The use of a
horizontally-extending collapsible formation can serve to help
reduce container unwanted/unanticipated deformation by permitting
deformation in one or more specific locations that do not reduce
the top load. For instance, a collapsing rib may allow a filled
container to reach a hydrostatic equilibrium without exceeding the
plastic deformation of the container. Further, with respect to some
embodiments, the horizontally-extending collapsible formation may
extend continuously around the periphery of the container. The
sidewall portion 30 may also include edges 32 that extend
vertically and separate panel portions (generally indicated as 34
in the illustrated container 10). If desired, the
horizontally-extending collapsible formation may have a different
cross sectional shape at or about the edges 32 of the container
(see e.g. FIG. 2, where the horizontally-extending collapsible
formation (collapsible rib 100) is more narrow (in the vertical
direction) at the edges 32 and is wider through the separated panel
portions 34. Again, as desired, the horizontally-extending
collapsible formation may be configured to deform in response to
top-loading of the container. The sidewall portion 30 may further
include one or more panel reinforcement formations configured to
provide at least some structural support to the sidewall portion 30
of the container 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel
reinforcement formations comprise a plurality of horizontally
extending rib-like formations 36. However, it is noted the
invention is not limited to a specific form of panel reinforcement
formation and various other types of panel reinforcements may be
employed in lieu of, or in addition to, the depicted
formations.
[0021] The shoulder 40 extends to the neck portion 50 at an angle
(e.g., angle .theta. generally depicted in FIG. 2). The angle may,
by way of example, range from about 30.degree. to about 45.degree..
In an exemplary embodiment the angle may be about
40.degree..+-.5.degree.. In embodiments, with the exception of a
portion of the shoulder 40 that is associated with, or connects to,
the handle 80, the angle of the shoulder 40 may be substantially
consistent around the circumference of the sidewall portion 30. In
embodiments, the shoulder 80 may include a plurality of
reinforcement formations that, among other things, may be
configured to provide structural support to the shoulder 40. For
example, without limitation, the reinforcement formations may
comprise a plurality of radially extending ribs 42. The radially
extending ribs 42 may be wedge-shaped or angularly-shaped, and may
vary in width (e.g., may be more narrow at one or both ends), such
as generally illustrated. In an embodiment, each reinforcement
formation may extend downwardly (and radially outwardly) from a
position substantially adjacent the neck portion 50. If desired,
such formations may extend (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6) substantially
to the outer perimeter of the container (as such perimeter is
viewed in the plan view for the container 10). Further, optionally,
the container may include one or more longer radially extending
ribs 42' that extend from downwardly into the sidewall portion 30,
and may extend a substantial vertical distance along the sidewall
portion 30 of the container 10. For example, without limitation, in
the illustrated embodiment two longer radially extending ribs 42'
extend vertically downward along a significant vertical length of
the sidewall portion 30. As shown, a plurality of longer radially
extending ribs 42' may extend downwardly to a position adjacent a
horizontally-extending collapsible formation (e.g., collapsible rib
100). The longer radially extending ribs 42' may be configured to
provide stacking support strength so that the sidewall portion 30
of the container is more apt to "absorb" or direct top load forces
to where such forces are intended to be accommodated--e.g., at or
via a horizontally-extending collapsible formation (e.g.,
collapsible rib 100). Moreover, such longer radially extending ribs
42' may (for example, as illustrated in FIG. 6) be positioned at
approximately 180.degree. relative to a central axis of a
substantially centrally positioned dispensing opening 60 and may,
as generally shown, run substantially along one or more (or even
all) of the vertical edges or corners of the container.
[0022] The neck portion 50 generally extends upwardly from the
shoulder 40, and includes a dispensing opening 60. In embodiments,
the container 10 includes a central vertical axis, and the
dispensing opening 60 is substantially centered on the central
vertical axis. The neck portion 50 may further include a neck
finish 110 (e.g., threads provided for engaging a closure (not
shown)) and may have an uppermost vertical portion 120. As
generally illustrated in the enlarged partial views shown in FIGS.
8 and 9, the neck portion 50 may include a drip lip 52. As
generally shown in FIG. 9, depicted angles/slopes .alpha., .beta.
and .gamma. associated with the drip lip 52 may be provided all the
way around the circumference of the neck portion 50. For example,
in embodiments, angle/slope .alpha. may be about
45.degree..+-.5.degree., angle/slope .beta. may be about
60.degree..+-.5.degree., and angle/slope .gamma. may be about
5.degree..+-.5.degree. The drip lip may additionally include
certain intended offsets--generally illustrated in FIG. 9 as
distances D.sub.1, D.sub.2, and D.sub.3. In an embodiment, distance
D.sub.1 may be about 0.15.+-.0.05 inches, distance D.sub.2 may be
about 0.53.+-.0.05 inches, and distance D.sub.3 may be about
0.005.+-.0.004 inches. The use of a drip lip such as disclosed can,
among other things, help keep the neck finish 110 and closure (not
shown) free of product when contents are dispensed.
[0023] In embodiments, such as those generally illustrated, the
handle 80 may include a handle portion 130 that extends vertically
from the sidewall portion 30 to a vertical extent (at or about
point 140) that is at or about the same vertical height as the
uppermost vertical portion 120 of the neck portion 50. As such, the
handle 80 can be configured so that the handle 80 will bear (i.e.,
help distribute) at least some weight or top load forces, such as
those associated with the stacking of containers.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 7, it is noted that the base portion 20,
while still substantially planar, may include one or more
transverse formations 160. In embodiments, the base portion 20 may
include at least two transverse formations that intersect one
another and/or at least two transverse formations that are
substantially perpendicular to each other.
[0025] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the use of a
horizontally-extending collapsible formation (e.g., collapsible
rib) and a substantially planar bottom allows a container employing
the disclosed teachings to convert a measure of hydrostatic
pressure into a load bearing feature. For example, when such a
container is filled, the deformation of a portion of the sidewall
portion in response to a top load force may be countered, at least
in part, by an internal hydrostatic force.
[0026] The container 10 may be comprised of a synthetic plastic
material, such as for example, polyethylene (including high density
polyethylene (HDPE)), polypropylene, polycarbonate, or polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), or other plastic material or plastic materials
in combination, including multi-layer combinations. In embodiments,
the container may, for example and without limitation, have a total
height H of about 9.8.+-.0.4 inches, a total width W of about
6.8.+-.0.4 inches, may have an unfilled weight of about 70.+-.4
grams, and may be configured to have a content volume of up to 128
fluid ounces, or more.
[0027] A method for case-less stacking of plastic containers is
also disclosed. In an embodiment, a first level of plastic
containers including features as generally disclosed is provided. A
tier sheet, such as a cardboard sheet, may be provided upon the
first level of containers. A second level of plastic containers may
then be provided upon the tier sheet, the weight of the second
level of plastic containers creating a top load force on the first
level of plastic containers. The horizontally-extending collapsible
formations of the first level of plastic containers may then deform
in response to the top load force until the top load force is at
least partially countered by an internal hydrostatic force
associated with one or more of the first level of plastic
containers. The method is, of course, not limited to a specific
number of levels of containers.
[0028] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and various
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize
the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as
are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that
the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto
and their equivalents.
* * * * *